How to Take Your Measurements?

Do you want to know your measurements, but aren’t sure how to take them? Are you wondering which parts of your body to measure for online shopping or for tailoring a custom outfit?

I’m here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often notice that different clothing brands have very different sizing. It can be quite tricky to figure it all out! Knowing your measurements is therefore very helpful, and even essential, especially when shopping online, for instance.

That's why I'm sharing with you this comprehensive guide to help you accurately and easily take your measurements, so you can use them to choose clothes that will truly fit you well.

To take your measurements, you'll need a flexible measuring tape, and if possible, the help of another person. For accurate measurements, I recommend wearing only your underwear. To measure your waist circumference, bend forward and find the point where your stomach dips in – that's where you should measure. For your hip measurement, stand straight and measure at the widest part of your hips. Lastly, for your bust measurement, keep your bra on (unless you're measuring specifically for that garment) and wrap the tape around your chest at its fullest point, making sure the tape remains level at your back.

Want to find out more details? Keep reading this guide to discover:

• Why it’s important to know your measurements accurately,
• What a seamstress measuring tape is and a tip if you don’t have one,
• When during the day you should take your measurements,
• How to properly measure your waist, hips, and bust,
• Tips for measuring your head circumference, determining your shoe size, and more.

Why is it important to know your measurements?

We’ve all heard about the so-called “ideal measurements” like “90-60-90” or even those of Marilyn Monroe! Let’s start by debunking a common myth: don’t worry, perfect measurements don’t exist. In fact, the beauty of your figure doesn’t rely on your bust or waist size, but rather on the relationship you have with your body and how you showcase it through fashion.

That said, measuring your dimensions isn't pointless. These details can be really helpful if you're looking to shop online, as they can guide you in selecting the right size using the sizing chart. They can also assist you in finding second-hand clothes that actually fit you by asking the seller for the shoulder width of a shirt or its length, to see if it suits you.
Lastly, if you're keen on sewing your own clothes or getting a custom piece made, knowing your measurements will be essential for the success of that project!

What should you use to take your measurements?

First and foremost, you need to find something to take your measurements. If you have a flexible measuring tape, that's perfect. It will allow you to measure every part of your body quickly and easily.

If you don't have a measuring tape and need to take some measurements, here’s a solution that will work, even though it might be a bit less precise and convenient: use a piece of non-stretchable ribbon (or a thin belt) along with a straight ruler. All you need to do is transfer the measurement taken with the ribbon onto the ruler to get your result.

👉 To get your measurements right, don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone else. They can ensure that the tape measure is flat against your back and also perpendicular to your spine.

When is the Best Time of Day to Take Your Measurements?

The best time of day to take measurements is usually in the morning on an empty stomach, as your stomach will not be bloated. However, if you're measuring for a fitted garment, keep this in mind and add a few centimeters to account for changes in your body throughout the day. You might also consider taking a measurement in the morning and another in the evening, then averaging the two.

👉 To take your measurements, it’s important to wear just your underwear: this will give you accurate results, which can help you choose well-fitting clothes.

What Should We Measure?

When someone shares their measurements, it usually consists of three numbers, for example: 93-75-100. These numbers correspond to:

• Chest measurement: 93 cm,
• Then waist measurement: 75 cm,
• And finally hip measurement: 100 cm.

However, when it comes to choosing clothes, it's also possible to take measurements:

• Its headgear: for a hat, a specific hairstyle…

• The size of your feet: for choosing the right shoes,
• Your thigh circumference: for trousers, shorts, and so on…
• Your shoulder width: for a top, shirt, blazer, fitted dress…
• Arm circumference: for a tailored dress, fitted top…
• Inseam length: for trousers, long dresses…
• And many more precise measurements!

How to Measure Your Waist Size?

The waist is the narrowest part of your torso: to measure it accurately, you need to find out where your waist is located. To help you, stand in front of a mirror: your waist is usually marked midway between the bottom of your ribs and your hips, just above your belly button.

👉 If you lean to the side, as if you're trying to do the triangle yoga pose, the area where a crease forms is where your waist is located. Here's a video to help you better visualise the triangle pose:

Once you know where your waistline is, wrap the measuring tape around it, without inhaling. Make sure the tape sits snugly against your skin, but isn’t too tight or twisted. If you’re measuring your waist for high-waisted pants that sit above your natural waist, feel free to measure that part too for accurate results. Remember to jot down your measurements so you don’t forget.

How to Measure Your Hip Size?

When it comes to your hips, it’s really helpful to use a mirror or ask someone else for assistance. Stand up straight in front of the mirror with your feet together, on a flat surface.

Place one end of your measuring tape on your hip, at the most prominent point. Then wrap it around the rest of your body gently, going over your other hip and down to your backside, ensuring it stays at the same level as where you started. The measuring tape or ribbon should remain parallel to the ground.

How to Measure Your Bust Size?

You can use your bra to measure your bust size if you’re taking measurements for a fitted top or a low-cut dress. However, make sure to wear a bra that has a similar thickness to the one you plan to wear with that outfit: padding can indeed add a few centimeters to your bust measurement.

If you’re measuring this part of your body to buy lingerie, this time you’ll need to wear what you have on you, because size guides are made for measurements taken directly on bare skin.

There are two measurements to take at the chest level: the first number in the measurements is the bust measurement. This is taken by wrapping the tape around the fullest part of the bust and ensuring that it stays parallel to the floor, including at the back. Remember not to puff out your chest; instead, stand straight and relaxed while taking the measurement.

You will also need your bust measurement: do this in the same way, but measure under your bust. The difference between this number and your bust measurement will help you calculate the depth of your bra cup, for example.

👉 For the gentlemen, just measure your chest circumference by placing the measuring tape under your armpits and ensuring it's parallel to the ground.

How to Take Your Other Measurements?

As I mentioned in this article, there are other measures that could be helpful for you. Here are a few, along with some tips to make them easier to implement:

🔸 Head circumference: Place your measuring tape across your forehead, a few centimetres above your ears, without pulling too tight.

🔸 Neck circumference: Measure around the base of the neck.

🔸 Shoulder Width: Get someone to help you place a tape measure across your back, from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other. Alternatively, you can measure it using a well-fitting shirt.

🔸 Leg Length : Position the end of the measuring tape at the highest point of your inner thigh, then extend it straight down to the level of your ankle bone (the bump on your ankle). Alternatively, you can use a pair of pants that fit perfectly. Remember to take a separate measurement for each leg, as their lengths can sometimes differ slightly.

🔸 Foot Size : For measuring your feet, the easiest way is to print a measurement document at 100% scale (Click the link to download it for free!) and place your foot on it while standing straight. Ask someone to mark the spot where your big toe ends with a pencil. Make sure to measure both feet individually, as there may be differences between them.

Now you have everything you need to take your measurements correctly! Once that's done, feel free to visit our online shop with your measurements to find outfits that will fit you perfectly, thanks to the size charts available on each product page.

Our collection of wedding and ceremonial dresses can even be customised to fit your measurements! Check it out directly by clicking the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress